Awareness of cancer among adolescents: A study of nine focus groups in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Issue Addressed: One third of cancers are potentially preventable by modifying key risk factors that arise during adolescence. To help inform prevention efforts, we investigated adolescents' understanding of cancer risk factors, symptoms and signs and barriers to help-seeking.

Methods: Nine focus groups were conducted with purposefully sampled, binary-gendered friendship groups of 12 to 17-year-olds.

Hepatitis C virus treatment with glecaprevir and pibrentasvir in patients co-prescribed carbamazepine: Three case reports.

Background: Highly effective and well-tolerated direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies have revolutionised the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, niche populations face treatment barriers. DAAs co-prescribed with several first-generation anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are contraindicated due to drug-drug interactions. A common example is carbamazepine whereby steady-state carbamazepine reduces the maximum concentration and area under the curve of velpatasvir, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir due to potent cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 induction.

Is the neighbourhood context important for a tobacco retailer proximity policy?

A spatial modelling approach was used to explore how a proximity limit (150 m, 300 m, and 450 m) between tobacco retailers may impact different neighbourhoods in New Zealand. Neighbourhoods were categorised into three density groups (0, 1-2, 3+ retailers). As the proximity limit increases, there is a progressive redistribution of neighbourhoods in the three density groups with, the 3+ density group incorporating fewer neighbourhoods and the 0 and 1-2 density groups conversely each consisting of more.

What impact would tobacco retailer proximity limit have on tobacco availability in New Zealand?

Introduction: One policy option to reduce the density of tobacco retailers is to restrict the distance retailers can be located to each other. This study examined the impacts of proximity limits of 150 m, 300 m and 450 m between tobacco retailers in New Zealand and if critical threshold reduction in tobacco retailers of 90%-95% would be achieved.

Methods: Using a spatial modelling approach, tobacco retailers were randomly removed based on a minimum distance between retailers until there were zero retailers within each scenario's minimum distance.

Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence following the first pandemic wave in UK healthcare workers in a large NHS Foundation Trust.

We aimed to measure SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs) during the first UK wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, explore risk factors associated with infection, and investigate the impact of antibody titres on assay sensitivity.  HCWs at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were prospectively enrolled and sampled at two time points. We developed an in-house ELISA for testing participant serum for SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA reactivity against Spike and Nucleoprotein.

Indigenous Māori perspectives of smokefree parks.

Objective: This study aims to understand the context of place associated with smoking in urban Hamilton parks from a Te Ao Māori perspective (the worldview of Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand).

Methods: Our study approached smokefree environments in Hamilton through a Māori lens, undertaking interviews with family groups and people from organisations involved in the local Smokefree environments policy.

Results: The majority of the 26 adult participants identified as Māori, with 30% being current smokers.

Could We See the End of Tobacco Being Sold in Bars and Pubs in New Zealand?

Background: Disallowing the sale of tobacco wherever alcohol is consumed is one policy option to help achieve Smokefree 2025. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of selling tobacco in New Zealand (NZ) on-license premises and explore attitudes toward the sale of tobacco.

Methods: A sample of managers of on-license premises were asked by telephone about the importance of tobacco to their business, advantages and disadvantages of selling tobacco, and the impact of not being able to sell tobacco in the future.

National Sporting Organisation policies: A health promotion opportunity?

Issue Addressed: The objective was to identify whether National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) have policy documentation on healthy behaviours (smokefree, sun-protection, healthy food/beverages and alcohol) and, for organisations with such documentation, whether this was in-line with current scientific evidence of past best practice in cancer prevention.

Methods: This cross-sectional policy analysis study was performed September to December 2018 in Aotearoa/New Zealand. A content analysis was undertaken using NSO policy documents matched against a framework of key indicators for best practice within health behaviours of interest.

Erythemal ultraviolet radiation exposure of high school rowers in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Athletes who compete in outdoor sports can receive potentially harmful levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Rowing is a popular outdoor sport that takes place during the peak UVR season. Using electronic dosimeters attached to the shoulder strap of the rower's uniform, this study aimed to quantify the real-time solar UVR exposure experienced by high school rowers during competition.

Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence following the first pandemic wave in UK healthcare workers in a large NHS Foundation Trust.

Background: We aimed to measure SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs) during the first UK wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, explore risk factors associated with infection, and investigate the impact of antibody titres on assay sensitivity.

Methods: HCWs at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (STH) were prospectively enrolled and sampled at two time points. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were tested using an in-house assay for IgG and IgA reactivity against Spike and Nucleoprotein (sensitivity 99·47%, specificity 99·56%).

Association between density and proximity of tobacco retail outlets with smoking: A systematic review of youth studies.

Background: Reducing the retail availability of tobacco has been proposed as a component of tobacco endgame, yet it is not known whether retail availability has a direct impact on smoking behaviours. A narrative review and a meta-analysis have been undertaken to examine the density and proximity of tobacco retail outlets, but were limited in scope, exposure and outcome variables. The aim of this current study was to undertake a systematic review of the international literature on the density and proximity of tobacco retail outlets to homes, schools and communities and their association with smoking behaviours among youth.

Is the tobacco 'footfall' argument justified for tobacco purchases in New Zealand convenience stores?

Introduction: New Zealand's Smokefree 2025 goal aims to greatly decrease the availability of tobacco. One option is to cease the sale of tobacco from convenience stores. However, tobacco companies and retail trade associations oppose this move and have argued that customers who purchase tobacco drive footfall and spend more than non-tobacco customers.

Bar Atmospherics and Smoking: A Qualitative Analysis of New Zealand Young Adult Smokers.

Introduction: Smoking among young adults is often associated with social contexts and alcohol use. Although many countries, including New Zealand, have prohibited smoking inside licensed premises, outdoor areas have enabled smoking and alcohol co-use to persist. We examined whether and how outdoor bar areas facilitate and normalize young adult smoking and explored potential policy implications.

How would the tobacco retail landscape change if tobacco was only sold through liquor stores, petrol stations or pharmacies?

Objective: To examine the potential impact of tobacco being available only from pharmacies, only from liquor stores or only from petrol stations on the New Zealand tobacco retail landscape.

Methods: Tobacco retailers and pharmacies were mapped using GIS. Comparisons were made between tobacco retailers and pharmacies.

The long-term supply of tobacco and nicotine: some goals, principles and policy implications.

There is a growing literature on regulating the supply of tobacco products to achieve tobacco-free goals. This article suggests three goals and eight principles that could underpin regulatory approaches to the supply of tobacco and non-prescription nicotine products. The primary principles are that tobacco and nicotine products should not be seen as normal consumer products, should not be supplied for profit, and that the tax revenue from the supply of the products should first be used to reduce tobacco and nicotine use.

An Analysis of E-Cigarette Marketing in New Zealand Tobacco Retail Outlets Prior to Legislative Change.

Introduction: In 2017, the New Zealand (NZ) Government announced its intention to liberalize the sale and promotion of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including permitting any outlet to sell ENDS. This research estimated the proportion of tobacco outlets selling ENDS prior to legislative change, documented ENDS point-of-sale (POS) marketing, and examined associations between ENDS availability and outlet type, area-level deprivation, study region, and proximity to a secondary school.

Aims And Methods: After drawing a proportional random sample of 281 tobacco outlets from two NZ regions that included convenience stores, supermarkets, and petrol stations, we conducted observational in-store assessments to record ENDS product ranges and promotions.

New Zealand tobacco retailers' understandings of and attitudes towards selling Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: a qualitative exploration.

Introduction: In 2017, the New Zealand Government signalled its intent to legalise the widespread sale of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), which many New Zealand retailers have actually sold for several years. Although ENDS uptake may reduce the harm smokers face, it requires them to adopt an entirely new practice; we therefore explored how effectively existing non-specialist tobacco retailers could advise and support potential quitters.

Methods: Using in-depth interviews with 18 tobacco retailers (prior to legislative change), we explored knowledge of ENDS, attitudes towards selling ENDS and supporting customers' cessation attempts, perceptions of ENDS' risks and benefits, and views on the proposed legislation.

Butting out: an analysis of support for measures to address tobacco product waste.

Background: Cigarette butts are ubiquitous litter items, causing major environmental damage and imposing significant clean-up costs. Tobacco companies frame smokers as both the cause of this problem and the source of its solution. However, an perspective challenges this view and holds tobacco companies to account for the full life cycle costs of tobacco product waste (TPW).

Prevalence and characteristics of tobacco purchases in convenience stores: results of a postpurchase intercept survey in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Introduction: Arguments regarding the importance of tobacco to convenience stores could impede the adoption of tobacco retail reduction policies. Although trade associations argue tobacco constitutes two-thirds of convenience store sales and drives footfall, few studies have tested these claims. We therefore examined the prevalence and characteristics of tobacco purchases at convenience stores in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Estimating the effect of a potential policy to restrict tobacco retail availability in New Zealand.

Introduction: Reducing tobacco retailer density is suggested to be a key component of tobacco endgames. Where tobacco retail reduction policies exist, 'grandfathering' is typically used, where existing retailers are exempt from restrictions aimed at reducing outlet density. We examined the possible impact on tobacco outlet density in New Zealand of a policy preventing new retail outlets from selling tobacco, but allowing existing retail outlets to continue selling tobacco until they ceased trading or relocated.

The contribution of smokefree outdoor areas in achieving New Zealand's Smokefree 2025 goal.

Issues Addressed: With the adoption of Smokefree 2025, further commitment from local government to extend smokefree outdoor area policies is becoming increasingly important in the presence of high public support. The aim of this study was to identify local government commitment in the Canterbury/West Coast (CWC) region to the New Zealand Smokefree 2025 goal through provision of smokefree outdoor areas.

Methods: Document analysis of the different stages of council long-term plans (LTPs) was undertaken, including 239 draft LTP documents, 5926 public submissions on these documents and 13 final LTP documents.

Cancer Mortality, Early Detection and Treatment among Adult New Zealanders: Changes in Perceptions between 2001 and 2014/5.

Background: Beliefs about cancer risk and experience of early detection and treatment can impact on willingness to engage with these initiatives. This study describes changes in perceptions of cancer mortality, early detection and treatment among adult New Zealanders (NZ) between two cross-sectional studies conducted in 2001 and 2014/5. Methods: Data was collected via telephone interviews conducted by trained interviewers in 2001 (231 females and 207 males, 64% response rate) and 2014/5 (588 females and 476 males, 64% response rate).

Perceptions of Financial Incentives for Smoking Cessation: A Survey of Smokers in a Country With an Endgame Goal.

Introduction: Financial incentives can support smoking cessation, yet low acceptability may limit the wider implementation of such schemes. Few studies have examined how smokers view financial-incentive interventions aimed at reducing smoking prevalence.

Methods: We recruited a sample of 623 smokers from an internet panel to a survey assessing support for, and perceived effectiveness of, financial incentives for smoking cessation.

Knowledge of Evidence-Based Cancer Risk Factors Remains Low Among New Zealand Adults: Findings from Two Cross-Sectional Studies, 2001 and 2015.

Objective: Cancer risk reduction messages are a part of cancer control efforts around the world. The complex reality is that risk factors differ for different types of cancer, making clear communication of desired behavioural changes more difficult. This study aims to describe awareness of risk factors for breast, bowel, cervical, prostate and lung cancer and cutaneous melanoma among New Zealanders in 2014/15 and identify changes in awareness since 2001.

New Zealand adolescents' discouragement of smoking among their peers.

Objective: This study examines the extent to which young people are acting as 'agents of change' in discouraging smoking among their peers.

Methods: This study used data from a survey of 2,919 New Zealand secondary school students who participated in the 2014 national Youth In-depth Survey. Relevant questions were used to assess the extent to which students engaged in behaviours to discourage or promote smoking among their peers.